232 SKETCHES OF RURAL AFFAIRS. 



over the foot close under the spur. This completely 

 subdues their spirit, and quenches their disposition to 

 fight. The quarrelsome nature of the cock has been 

 made use of to gratify the depraved taste of man in 

 those shameful exhibitions called "cock-fights," in which 

 the most spirited birds of the race of "game-fowls" are 

 set against each other in regular battles, generally ending 

 in the death of one, if not both birds. This barbarous 

 sport, so disgraceful to a nation professing Christianity, 

 is happily almost at an end. 



The hen is less quarrelsome than her mate, but has 

 plenty of courage in defending her youug brood in the 

 time of danger. Hens, when properly managed, pro- 

 duce a great number of eggs in the course of the year. 

 They should have abundance of wholesome food, but 

 not be fattened beyond a certain extent, for the eggs of 

 over-fat hens are few and imperfect. A warm and 

 sheltered situation is necessary for hens, and it is also 

 needful that they have access to cold water and to 

 gravel, and be allowed to range freely, without being 

 driven or worried. The best sitting-hens are those 

 which are of a quiet social disposition, not easily fright- 

 ened, nor apt to wander far. Large full-feathered hens 

 are also preferred, as being the best able to cover their 

 eggs. Such as have proved themselves to be good 

 sitters are, of course, the best hens to be employed; but 

 one or two young hens may be tried each year. Young 

 hens will show a disposition to sit the following spring 

 to that in which .they were hatched ; but only one or 

 two should be allowed to do so. If the hens are few, 

 they are often left to seek out a place for their nest in 

 some outhouse, loft, or other quiet place, and there they 

 are as little disturbed as possible. But where poultry 

 are kept on a large scale, regular hatching-houses are 

 provided, and each hen has a separate place partitioned 

 off, where she may hatch her brood in safety. The 

 desire to sit is shown by the hen making a clucking 

 noise, similar to the call used in gathering together her 



